Keep curiosity alive Five easy steps toward lifelong learning

BY JONNEMARIE KAHWATY

Ashumans, we seem to love routines, from morning coffee to nightly reading before bed. We derive comfort and stability from rituals but when we never deviate from the ease of daily patterns, restless boredom—even depression—can drift in. Particularly as we age, we’re at risk of finding ourselves so stuck in established routines that it’s hard to be spontaneous or try new things even if we have more discretionary time than ever before.

If you’re asking “so what?,” know that breaking routine to explore new activities and experiences not only keeps us excited about life, but studies have named learning a new skill the best way to prevent cognitive decline and dementia. While embracing new experiences can be daunting, it’s healthy to maintain a curious outlook throughout life and learn new skills that carry you out of your comfort zone. You’ll not only stimulate your brain but break your daily monotony with novelty and adventure!

If you’re feeling lost just thinking about making changes, here are five easy ways to start:

Make small changes to daily habits

Pay attention to moments when you go on autopilot and change it up. For instance, try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand, putting your shoes on in a different order, or sitting on the other side of the couch. These simple adjustments break the comfort barrier, a perfect first step to opening your mind for learning.

Engage with diverse perspectives

Seeking out conversation with people outside your usual circle not only broadens horizons, but also fosters relationships that introduce new hobbies and skills. Attend community events, join clubs, or reach out to neighbors. Approach interactions with an open mind and willingness to listen and avoid making assumptions. Focus on their experiences, ask questions, and show genuine interest. While you can connect with new people online, we recommend doing it in person, as social relationships also slow cognitive decline.

Visit museums, galleries, exhibits, and events

Museums and galleries expand your knowledge, deepen your understanding of art, history, and culture, and develop a nuanced understanding of the world around you. In addition to larger museums and galleries, don’t forget about the smaller exhibits and events in your community. Check museum schedules for talks, book clubs, and other ways to actively engage in the new things you’re learning.

Take advantage of the internet

If leaving the house is difficult, learn something new without leaving it. Learn a language, how to build a website, play a musical instrument, or how to refinish your furniture and so much more through the myriad free educational resources available on platforms such as YouTube. Online “schools,” such as Udemy, and Skillshare allow you to choose a new skill that interests you and learn step-by-step. Set aside “class” and “homework” time so that you actually spend time engaging your brain with the new skill.

Take up a hobby

Always meant to learn to quilt, play competitive Scrabble, or trace your roots? It’s not too late. New hobbies not only challenge us but also connect us with others who share our interests. Creative hobbies can be especially beneficial, as they release dopamine in the brain to regulate mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and provide feelings of pleasure and reward when we complete projects. Painting, drawing, photography, writing, journaling, playing a musical instrument, or dancing can be great options to explore the visual world, emotions, movement, and rhythm. Look for beginner-friendly resources online, seek guidance from a local store, teacher, or studio, or join a class or group for support and motivation. Whatever hobby you choose, commit to regular practice and development, and go where it takes you.

Learning new things keeps us engaged with life and reduces the risk of waking up to realize you’re just “going through the motions.” Continuing to learn enhances our relationships with ourselves and others, provides purpose and fulfillment, and gives us something to look forward to each day. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it’ll save your brain—so keep exploring, keep learning, and keep growing. FY

Jonnemarie Kahwaty is a dance instructor, musician, and herbalist with a passion for holistic health and wellness.

From the desk of WECK

Radio owner and local advocate Buddy Shula

NO RADIO? NO PROBLEM!

Remember when houses had fifteen radios? Every room had one! Today, that’s not so common. The radio we remember has become a different type of radio.

This is great news for BIG WECK listeners because now, you really can take the BIG WECK wherever you want. Not only can you listen on a traditional radio, but also “new” radios like Bluetooth, voice-activated devices, apps, and streaming. The sound is unbeatable and the convenience will blow you away.

Consider purchasing an Alexa (quite affordable) or, if you have a smart phone or tablet, download the free BIG WECK app. You can also listen online at bigweck. com. If you have Bluetooth in your car, it’s even simpler. Just tell your dashboard to “play the BIG WECK.”

This is the part of technology I don’t hate!

Thanks for listening to Buffalo’s Oldies Station...everywhere!

Warm regards,

Buddy Shula Owner /CEO

May 6

Kentucky Derby Luncheon

This annual event features a raffle and basket auction, hat show and contest, plus special guests Erie County Sheriff horses, Amherst Symphony Quintet, and vocalist Mary Kate O’Connell.

11 a.m.-2 p.m., Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village (3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst; bnhv.org, 689-1440)

Closes May 14 Network

Anchorman Howard Beale isn’t pulling in the viewers, but when he unravels live on his final broadcast, ratings soar and Howard becomes the biggest thing on TV.

D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre (320 Porter Avenue; kavinokytheatre.com, 829-7668)

May 11-12

Orchestrating the Landscape: Ellen Shipman’s Western New York Gardens

This two-day program focuses on landscape architect Ellen Shipman’s remarkable achievements at Graycliff, a revitalized private garden in Buffalo, and others. Programming includes keynote lectures on May 11 and tours on May 12. Advanced registration required; visit the website to register and get a full schedule.

(experiencegraycliff.org)

May 17 FREE

Senior Health & Resource Fair

Network in Aging’s second annual event is open to all, specifically caregivers and older adults, and features more than fifty vendors, as well as complimentary blood pressure and glucose screening.

10 a.m.-1 p.m., M Hotel Buffalo (2040 Walden Avenue; networkinaging.org)

May 26-27

Patriotic Pops

Conductor John Morris Russell and the BPO perform their Memorial Day Tradition.

10:30 a.m. Kleinhans Music Hall | 7:30 p.m. May 27 (3 Symphony Circle; bpo.org, 885-5000)